Gaylord, Michigan – Slick roads could develop quickly across northern Michigan early Thursday as a light glaze of ice forms before a dramatic shift to rain and even thunderstorms by nighttime.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, areas across northern lower Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula could see up to 0.10 inches of ice during the early morning hours Thursday, especially around Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena, and Sault Ste. Marie. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing from south to north through the day, limiting how long icing lingers but still creating hazardous travel during the morning commute.
Roads including I-75, US-131, and M-32 may become slick before sunrise, particularly on bridges and untreated surfaces. Conditions improve by midday as precipitation transitions to plain rain and temperatures climb into the 40s and even low 50s by late evening.
By Thursday night, attention shifts to a low-end severe weather threat. A few thunderstorms could produce locally damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall across northern lower Michigan, with a marginal risk extending from Traverse City to Alpena. Large hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Residents should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions from icy roads in the morning to storms overnight, with additional updates expected as Thursday unfolds.
